IACW/NA awards THE HAMMETT PRIZE annually for literary excellence in the field of
crime-writing, as reflected in a book published in the
English language in the US and/or Canada. The winner
receives a "Thin Man" trophy, designed by sculptor Peter
Boiger.

Eligibility: US and Canadian citizens or permanent residents
only.

"Crime-writing" is defined as any published work of adult
fiction or narrative nonfiction that encompasses such areas
as "crime," "suspense," "thriller," "mystery," or
"espionage" as those terms are normally understood in the
writing and publishing fields. A collection of short stories
by a single author would qualify.

Nominations are solicited from the membership, as well as
distinguished crime specialist booksellers and critics. The
Officers and Executive Council may also nominate books of
merit that they feel have been overlooked.

Nominations will be screened by a Nominating Committee
composed of IACW/NA members, who will review the nominations
and select no less than three and no more than five
finalists each year.

Submissions must have been published in 2015 and may be made by publishers, agents, or authors by
sending one copy of the nominated book to each member of the
Nominations Committee.

E-book submissions for the Hammett Prize are acceptable under the following conditions: 1. The book must be submitted to the committee in hard copy, rather than as an e-book. 2. The author must confirm that the work is being published for the first time in the US and/or Canada and is not a reprint of a backlist or out-of-print title.

The President in consultation with the Executive Council
will appoint a panel of three outside (ie, non-member)
judges to select the winner. One of these judges will be a
distinguished US or Canadian author working outside the
crime writing field; one a distinguished editor or
publisher; the third a distinguished critic or bookseller,
again, not working primarily in the crime field.

The judges shall be obliged to name a winner and their
decision will be final.